Bored Panda also contacted 'Gumgoatto,' the author of the Bulgarian Miku, for a short interview.
The artist explained that their inspiration came from a deep love for Miku and the excitement of infusing them with Bulgarian cultural elements. "Honestly, I’ve always loved Miku, and when I saw the trend of reimagining her with different cultural vibes, I was like, ‘why not rep my roots?’ I chose the red, embroidery, and the floral patterns because they’re super iconic in Bulgarian traditional clothing. Plus, the headscarf is a must! It’s all about the little details that make it feel authentic."
#3 Brazilian Miku
Mixing Miku’s look with traditional Bulgarian attire was an enjoyable creative challenge for the artist. They shared, "Mixing Miku’s look with Bulgarian elements was so fun! I wanted to keep her recognizable but also give her that unique touch. I used the bright red and green because they’re pretty prominent in Bulgarian folk attire. The belt and apron are just as important—they tie the whole outfit together, literally and figuratively."
For them, this project was more than just a fun artistic exercise; it was also a meaningful way to represent their culture. "It’s honestly so cool to see Miku in something I grew up with. It’s like, this big crossover that connects my love for anime with my culture. For people from Bulgaria or those who get the culture, I think it’s a nice nod that says, ‘Hey, we’re part of this global thing too!’"
Reflecting on the broader trend, the artist expressed their enthusiasm for how art can connect people worldwide. "This trend is such a vibe! It’s amazing how art can bridge gaps between cultures. I think it shows that even though we’re all from different places, we can come together over something we love—like Miku! And it’s super inspiring to see everyone’s unique takes."
Looking ahead, the artist hinted at exploring more cultural themes in their art. "I’ve been thinking about doing more characters in traditional outfits, or maybe exploring other cultures I vibe with. However, most of my art as of currently revolves around Genshin Impact, as well as some Ghibli movies (think Howl's Moving Castle)."
